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December 16, 2025 · Mark O Treidel American Ranger AR-1 · N529MW

Denver, CO

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 16, 2025
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Denver, CO
Aircraft
Mark O Treidel American Ranger AR-1 (2017)
Tail Number
N529MW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN26LA067

The pilot stated that it was a very windy day with winds above 20 mph and gusts to 30 mph when he attempted a takeoff in his gyroplane. He stated that during the takeoff roll with the pre-rotor engaged to 130 to 140 RPM, he gently eased back on the cyclic and a gust of wind caught the rotors. He felt the rotor flap and then a bump. He immediately arrested the rotor flap and then continued the takeoff roll. When the gyroplane became airborne, he realized there was less rudder authority and returned to land at the departure airport without further incident. After landing, the pilot noticed that rudder had been damaged due to a rotor strike, which likely occurred when the rotor flapped during takeoff, resulting in substantial damage to the rudder. The pilot stated that he should have had the rotors pre-rotated to 160 RPM or greater prior to pulling back on the cyclic, and there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to attain rotor RPM and maintain proper rotor disc angle during takeoff which resulted in a rotor strike with the rudder.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that it was a very windy day with winds above 20 mph and gusts to 30 mph when he attempted a takeoff in his gyroplane. He stated that during the takeoff roll with the pre-rotor engaged to 130 to140 RPM, he gently eased back on the cyclic and a gust of wind caught the rotors. He felt the rotor flap and then a bump. He immediately arrested the rotor flap and then continued the takeoff roll. When the gyroplane became airborne, he realized there was less rudder authority and returned to land at the departure airport without further incident. After landing, the pilot noticed that rudder had been damaged due to a rotor strike, which likely occurred when the rotor flapped during takeoff, resulting in substantial damage to the rudder. The pilot stated that he should have had the rotors pre-rotated to 160 RPM or greater prior to pulling back on the cyclic, and there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:45 MST
Nearest AirportColorado Air And Space Port Ai (0nm)
Runway26
Runway Length8002 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMark O Treidel American Ranger AR-1
Tail NumberN529MW
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 914 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 78 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 19 C
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time10:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data